Fatigue Busters: How to Survive Fatigue in the 90s!

According to physicians, fatigue is the leading complaint among patients, and while fatigue is a hallmark of many illnesses (including Chronic Fatigue Syndrome as profiled in Susan Abod's Funny You Don't Look Sick in our last issue), garden variety fatigue is very common and potentially deadly. Host Dr. Fred Hardinge calls our attention to the fact that many tragic accidents are caused by fatigue--ranging from car to plane crashes. Drawing on the latest research, and speaking with specialists studying fatigue, Hardinge points out that more people are working harder and longer hours these days, getting less sleep than they need, and subjecting themselves to higher levels of stress in our hurry-up society. The result is fatigue, which in turn impairs the brain's higher functions. Heightened irritability, loss of concentration, and inability to think clearly are classic symptoms of fatigue, and recent studies using brain scans literally show the chemical differences in the brain of a rested and a fatigued person. Unfortunately, the "Fatigue Busters" suggestions take up a very small part of the tape, and they are largely self-evident (sleep regularly, avoid alcohol and caffeine, etc.) and readily available in recent issues of women's magazines in the check-out stand. Too, the program devotes more time than is necessary to repetitious research and interviews underscoring the importance of fatigue. Finally, the tape is a bit on the pricey side for a general patient education title. Still, I've yet to see another program on the subject of common fatigue, and people would definitely benefit by following the suggestions on this tape. Recommended, with reservations, for larger health collections. (R. Pitman)